The classical music weekend starts with a world premiere at the California Symphony and a Teen Night at San Francisco Symphony.
Argentine sounds at Symphony Silicon Valley, a new program by Chanticleer, and the return of pianist Mitsuko Uchida are also highlights as March winds down.
Here’s a partial roundup.
Cabrera conducts “Illuminate”: In her tenure as California Symphony’s composer in residence, Katherine Balch has created new works that charmed the ear. This weekend, music director Donato Cabrera leads the world premiere of Balch’s new song cycle, “Illuminate.” As the capstone of her residency, the work was originally scheduled for performance in 2020, but the premiere was delayed by pandemic shutdowns; now it’s the centerpiece of a French-inspired program that also includes Thomas Adès’ “Three Studies from Couperin,” Ravel’s “Ma mère l’Oye” and Debussy’s “Danse.”
Details: 7:30 p.m. March 26, 4 p.m. March 27; Lesher Center, Walnut Creek; $44-$74; www.californiasymphony.org.
Bandoneon center stage: Symphony San Jose’s new program, titled “Feste romane,” features Argentine composer and bandoneon master Juan Pablo Jofre, who joins violinist Rachel Lee Priday this weekend for his “Bandoneon-Violin Double Concerto No. 1.” The program also includes Brahms’ “Nanie” and “Schicksalslied” (Song of Destiny), along with Respighi’s “Feste romane.” Carlos Vieu conducts.
Details: 8 p.m. March 26, 2:30 March 27, California Theatre, San Jose; $55-$115; www.symphonysanjose.org.
Choice at SF Symphony: Kev Choice — the multi-talented composer, emcee, producer and activist — is the special guest for Teen Night at the San Francisco Symphony. Designed for teens age 13 and up, the program features interactive elements — games, prizes and more — with music by a range of composers, including Choice, Stravinsky, John Adams, George Walker, and others. Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser conducts.
Details: 7:30 p.m. March 26; Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco; $20; www.sfsymphony.org.
Chanticleer’s “Rumors”: With its silky vocal blend and wide-ranging musical interests, Chanticleer remains one of the Bay Area’s top a capella ensembles. The 12-man group returns this week with “Rumors,” featuring works by Thomas Tallis, a world premiere by Ricky Ian Gordon and new arrangements of songs by Fleetwood Mac.
Details: 8 p.m. March 26 at San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall; 7:30 p.m. March 29 at Mission Santa Clara; $20-$62; www.chanticleer.org.
Uchida returns: Renowned for her performances of Mozart’s music, the great pianist Mitsuko Uchida returns to Cal Performances on Sunday afternoon. Serving as director and soloist with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, she’ll play Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, and the composer’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, as well as Anton Webern’s Op. 27 Variations for Piano. Webern’s Five Movements for String Orchestra completes the program.
Details: 3 p.m. March 27, Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley; $50-$175; www.calperformances.org.
Source: www.mercurynews.com